Cale Makar Dethroned? New Norris Trophy Race Shakes Up the NHL
The race for the NHL’s top defenseman just took a dramatic turn and for the first time in a while, Cale Makar is no longer sitting alone at the top of the Norris Trophy conversation.
For years, Makar has defined what a modern defenseman looks like. Dynamic, explosive and dangerous every time he touches the puck. The star of the Colorado Avalanche has built a reputation as a game-changer at both ends of the ice. And statistically, he is still elite. His offensive numbers remain among the best in the league for blueliners and his overall impact has kept Colorado in contention.
But now, two American defensemen have surged past him in the latest rankings and the shift is impossible to ignore.
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At the center of this shakeup is Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets . Werenski is putting together a season that demands attention. He is producing offense at a remarkable rate, logging massive minutes and driving his team’s push toward the postseason. When a defenseman leads his club in scoring and plays nearly half the game every night, that is not just valuable, it is franchise-defining.
Right there in the conversation as well is Quinn Hughes , now with the Minnesota Wild after a blockbuster move earlier this season. Hughes has elevated his play since the trade, boosting his production and tightening his overall game. His ability to control pace and create offense from the blue line is forcing voters to take a long look.
And then there is Evan Bouchard of the Edmonton Oilers , who continues to light up the scoresheet. Offensively, he has been as dangerous as any defenseman in hockey.
So what does this mean for Makar?
It means the margin is razor thin. Advanced analytics still show him as one of the league’s most complete players. His combined offensive and defensive ratings remain among the very best. But this is no longer a runaway race. The competition is real and it is closing fast.
The Norris Trophy is awarded to the league’s best all-around defenseman, not just the highest scorer. And with Werenski’s two-way dominance and Hughes’ resurgence, the debate is intensifying across the hockey world.
As the season moves toward its final stretch, every shift matters. Every matchup matters. And this award could come down to the smallest details.
Stay with us for continuing coverage of the Norris Trophy race and the latest developments from around the NHL.
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